TomCrewe

I just found this listing on flea bay https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/225871644290?hash=item3496ffc682:g:tXUAAOSwTRJfLr8R Now few years ago I purchased a NCE Power Cab for my layout, I designed a 3D holder and along with the design and picture I put it on Thingiverse a free to share your designs website. That's my design and they have even used my photograph, I just think it's a bit cheeky that something I design and gave away for free which takes a few pence to print someone else has taken advantage. At £10.75 plus £3.20 that's pricy for a bit of plastic.

A little more preparation.

The little factory has gone and the first part of construction has been started with the walls base board.

From my layout room I could see 10 Shop/Erecting Shop Crewe works and I worked in there for many years, The work dwindled and finally 10 Shop was demolished (late 2019 /2020) with its Gable end wall on West Street. It was about 280ft long On My layout I have a small factory which is wrong brick colour, too small and although a good build I think it never fit with the theme so that's to go and a section of 'The Wall' will replace it. Not the full wall that would take about 3.75M. I just want to get the essence.

I have made a blog and added a link in my signature, All good. The Subject of my blog was my layout. Now I want to add more information. Building, plans for future and what I am doing now. How do I do that? 1. Just keep adding to the one blog. (Editing)? 2. Some how link a blog? 3. Just make a new blog (how would the link to signature)??

Well where to begin, 1964 ish My grandad was a guard on the railway and one of these people who knew everyone, I was about 4 and he would take me on his crossbar seat off to places (The station, Crewe works offices, depot's and coal yard) I can't remember for how long and why it stopped I must have been 10 or 11. This of course got me into Railways. When I was 11 We had a big car crash and my sister and me had to live at Gran and Grandads for about 3 weeks at this time I started building Airfix and similar (almost one a day) This got me into modelling. I ended up in Crewe works with an electrical apprenticeship, working on HST new build at the time, then repairing class 37's, 40's, 47's, AL 6's & 7's, 20's and back to new build on 90's and 91's. I still kept up with modelling tried flying aircraft, got kits balsa and tissue spent weeks making them, took them down the field and came home with a box of matchsticks, so got into RC boats then RC Rock Crawlers (Scale) still gluing plastic bits together. One thing and another had to give up outdoor models, sold up and thought Railway!! Some pictures of older models are here - Some Modelling Pictures Coppenhall Good's, well I grew up in Coppenhall and now live in Coppenhall, Good's because or the space I have, it was always going to be a shunting layout. Era late crest 1960 to 1965 that's when Grandad took me sight seeing, the layout is never going to be of anywhere specific in Crewe (the baseboard would have to be massive) Coppenhall Good's is 2400mm x 600mm, OO gauge, DCC (NCE), Megapoints point control. Two locos a Jinty and a Gronk. Most thing added to layout should be something I could of see in and around Crewe with my Grandad (and a few things just because).

Again thank you all for information, A simple (maybe not so simple) question about where to put a signal explodes into much more. The Signal box has been demolished and the point motors are starting to disappear. Looking into point levers. With more information comes more questions MH 'a small ground level hut would perhaps be more appropriate. I would expect it to be sited among a few "grotty hut" structures, for use by shunters, lamp filling, PW stores etc' I like this any examples and notes on positions? TJ 'There will (very) probably be a STOP board at the exit to the tunnel; all inbound traffic stops here to await a hand signal or verbal instruction to proceed. This position may have a telephone.' Again I like this any examples and notes on position? C2632 'If you do away with the engine shed, those kick-back sidings could make a good coal yard,' I also like this idea but will have to wait until I finish revamp of backscene).

Lots of reply's, Help and idea's. Thank you all. I plan to start a blog about the layout and the why and what for and how I have done things (and pictures) But for now the main thrust of information on the signals is not to have any! The spin off from that is that there is no need for a signal box either?? Which brings me to one more question the dummy point motors would it suit better to replace them all with hand leavers??

Thanks Ray. 'To Main Line' should really be to Fiddle Yard, The distance to Main line is what ever my mind imagines (sometimes strange things). I would like to have some signalling therefore the distance to mainline is requiring a signal. Its a well maintained modern (for its time) goods yard 1960 - 1965. What type and where should a signal go bearing in mind a crafty little curve with wall.

Back in Black - Ac-Dc

I have been putting it off and probably left it too late. But its one area I have no idea about. Who knows best or where do I get information for positioning signals and ground signals relatively correct for my layout and era?? This is my layout plan, It a Good's Shunting end to end, Around 1960 - 1965. What type of signals semaphore or aspect and where (I have been told only one protection main line) and what about ground signals??

Rain Is Falling by Electric Light Orchestra

One ordered.

The Iron Fairy Crane I have sent for wont be used it's 1970's a Iron Fairy 6 would work but can't see any at 1:76. Arch Laser do a Ransome & Rapier 6 ton Petrol/Electric Yard Crane. Also Langley Models Ransoms Rapier 6 ton Mobile Crane & Fordson Chaseside 1ton Crane . But silly price's. Any other options?

I do have a 'Iron Fairy on the way (could be here today) I was looking at a gantry crane at first but too big for town setting, perhaps a beam crane and 2 - 3 yard cranes. I just can't find what a depot this size would have.

My layout is fictional, a Good's Yard , Town size, late 50's early 60's, Trying only to use elements that would have been seen around Crewe's general area. I just want to add some cranes to the Hardstanding area and uncovered platform. Which type would suit, go with theme and where to fix them? I do have an 'Iron Fairy' on the way for mobile crane.

I have a Hot glue gun I wish it had a 'ON' led, Two questions. 1 Is there a Hot Glue gun with 'ON' light? 2 Can an 'ON' light be easily fitted?

Thanks for all the information I have ordered and will give a try these. https://www.roxeymouldings.co.uk/product/485/4a135-side-chain-eyes-and-hooks/ https://www.roxeymouldings.co.uk/product/480/4a130-screw-shackles-for-wagon-loads/

Hello all looking for help I am detailing my Conflat's and I have seen some examples with turnbuckles and chains holding down the load. I have searched and found a few names attached to pictures such as 51L, Smiths and Roxey. but can't find details as to part numbers. Can any of you fine people help please.

Some work done on the match wagon

It's been a couple of Days, Weeks Years. This project got placed on the back burner but over the last few days I have made a little progress.

Night Games - Graham Bonnet

I have given my Signal box a base colour of Humbrol 121 (I read somewhere to use that) and then dry brushed the bricks Humbrol 70 and as I am looking for a aged look it was horrendous The darker brick colour made the mortar look even lighter. As I have used Humbrol for years and know it workings I want to stick with it but what's a better base colour for the mortar?

All Around My Hat by Steeleye Span

I have now modified the parts concerning the crane carriage, jib runner and relieving bogies. I was surprised how soft some of the plastic parts were. Time to start reassembly.